Absence Protocol - Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine

From 09 October 2023, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) will only be permitted to be absent from State funded accommodation in exceptional circumstances. The previous allowance of one short-term absence (7 calendar days) over a 6-month period has been suspended.

This is due to the constrained supply of new accommodation coming on stream, that does not align with the number of people that continue to arrive in Ireland. It is of paramount importance that the State takes all necessary steps to maximise the use of available beds as we approach the winter months.

An exceptional circumstances absence will have to be applied for in advance with the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT) who will consider all applications on a case by case basis. For any absence without approval, UCTAT reserves the right to implement its Refusals Policy; accommodation may be reallocated and no further offer of accommodation will be made.

The updated protocol gives BOTPs the option of relinquishing their accommodation to allow for non-exceptional travel. These individuals will be entitled to apply for a new offer of accommodation upon their return to Ireland, if accommodation is available. There is no guarantee that the new offer will be of similar quality to the accommodation that was vacated, or that it will be in the same area.

At all times, parents/legal guardians remain responsible for minors in their care, who cannot be left unaccompanied in accommodation under any circumstances. Under Irish Law minors are persons up to the age of 18 years. Guardianship needs to be notified to and agreed by Tusla. Written evidence of notification to Tusla and their position on arrangements must be provided on request.

Responsibility for personal items during an absence remains at the risk of the individuals; given the pressure on storage facilities, UCTAT reserves the right to dispose of items left in long-term storage (beyond 60 days).